Letter to the editor: Changing perceptions means erasing stereotypes

Reka Basu states in her July 24 column that it is wrong to profile someone and judge them without knowing them. President Obama stated he has personally felt the humiliation of someone locking the car door as he passed by their auto.

People are judged by their looks and behavior. It is human nature to conjure up images from our experiences, to assume we know something about strangers. It is an automatic, protective human response to be wary of others who may appear different than us, regardless of their color.

For example, someone who is covered in tattoos, who has extensive body piercings and has ear lobe spacers that mimic an African tribesman is disconcerting to a person without such accoutrements. Once a negative impression is formed, it is very difficult to change perception.

Over many decades, black Americans have been the subject of negative stereotypes. It is next to impossible to erase those images without the efforts of a community undertaking. Unfortunately, no one in either the black or white community has made it a priority.

- Philip Schneider, Des Moines

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Letter to the editor: Changing perceptions means erasing stereotypes

Reka Basu states in her July 24 column that it is wrong to profile someone and judge them without knowing them. President Obama stated he has personally felt the humiliation of someone locking the